UFC star takes aim at rival’s ranking
Arman Tsarukyan, who returns to the Octagon in November, has reacted with disbelief to a reshuffle in the UFC’s fighter rankings.
Charles Oliveira’s victorious comeback didn’t just boost his own standing in the lightweight rankings - it also gave Paddy Pimblett a surprising lift. Despite being sidelined for six months, the British fighter jumped from No. 7 to No. 6, leapfrogging Dan Hooker. Arman Tsarukyan wasn’t thrilled with the reshuffle, responding with a facepalm emoji on social media.
Tsarukyan was among the most vocal contenders calling out Ilia Topuria after the Georgian-Spanish fighter captured the lightweight title. But the UFC wasn’t about to hand him a title shot on a silver platter. Tsarukyan had been slated to face then-champion Islam Makhachev in January, but withdrew just a day before the fight due to a back injury - a move that raised eyebrows across the MMA community. Now, he’ll need to earn his way back into title contention.
That road begins with a high-stakes bout against Dan Hooker - the same American fighter who just dropped a spot in the rankings thanks to Pimblett’s rise. The timing of Pimblett’s climb has only fueled speculation that he could be next in line to face Topuria, potentially leapfrogging Justin Gaethje, who currently sits higher in the rankings. Tsarukyan responded to the buzz with an emoji expressing clear frustration.
🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/0r2YtHGC1U
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) October 21, 2025
When is Tsarukyan vs Hooker?
Despite holding the No. 2 spot at 155 pounds, Tsarukyan is currently the most inactive ranked fighter in the division. He’s been out of action for one year, six months, and eight days - a drought he’ll finally break on November 22 when he faces Hooker at UFC Qatar. That same card will feature Aleksandre Topuria, with his brother Ilia expected to be in his corner. The two will share the stage, but not in the way Tsarukyan had hoped. Meanwhile, Pimblett continues to gain ground.
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